By Matt Mackinder
Clarkston News Editor

As we turn the calendar to 2023, let’s take a look back at the top stories from the second half of the year from The Clarkston News during 2022.
June 29
Township, firefighters reach historic, unanimous agreement: Independence Township and the township’s firefighters have achieved an historic labor contract. Their last agreement expired at the end of 2020, and the two sides’ efforts led to a new agreement, which runs through 2026, marked by final approval June 21 by the Township Board of Trustees.
Reflecting on 50 years of Pine Knob memories: Last Saturday marked 50 years since David Cassidy took the stage for the first-ever concert at Pine Knob Music Theatre. Marking the anniversary was the 99.5 WYCD Hoedown, highlighted by the country duo of Brooks and Dunn being the featured act.
Clarkston schools to benefit from new state mental health funding: Earlier this month, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 6012, a bipartisan bill that makes an historic investment in school safety by fully funding risk assessments and critical incidence mapping to help protect students and create safety plans in the event of an emergency.
July 6
Clarkston social district: The Clarkston Social District is now officially open, allowing patrons from the Fed, Clarkston Union, Union Woodshop, and Honcho to purchase a drink to-go and walk about town, enjoying the summer weather. Signs at each of the key border points have been placed to notify patrons that no alcohol is allowed beyond that point.
July 13
Santana OK after collapsing during Pine Knob concert: Legendary guitarist Carlos Santana collapsed on stage at Pine Knob Music Theatre during his concert and was taken to McLaren Clarkston for observation, July 5. While the scene didn’t look positive to concertgoers at the time, the 74-year-old Santana was reportedly waving to spectators as he was taken to an ambulance at the venue.
Clarkston celebrates 30th birthday at Depot Park: At the July 1 Concerts in the Park event at Depot Park, a celebration recognized the City of the Village of Clarkston’s 30th birthday.
July 20
Sex sting operation nets Clarkston arrest: Three men, including Clarkston’s Richard August Prausa, 45, who believed they were arranging to have sex with an underaged girl – only to learn they were making a rendezvous with law enforcement – are charged with multiple felonies that could land them in prison for up to 20 years if convicted.
Current supervisor, former trustee up for top role in township: With the state primary election coming up August 2, Jose Aliaga, Paul Brown, Gerald Fisher, and Mark Petterson have announced their candidacy for Independence Township supervisor.
July 27
New shift lieutenant primed for challenges ahead: “The promotion of a firefighter to that of an officer is a great moment of honor and pride for both the firefighter, their family, and Independence Fire.” With that proclamation by Independence Fire Chief Dave Piche, the ceremony began July 19 during the Township Board of Trustees regular meeting to recognize the promotion of 10-year firefighter/paramedic Frankie Cruz to shift lieutenant.
Township development continuing forward: The Waldon Village II development at Waldon and Walters roads had the first reading to a minor amendment narrowly approved at the July 19 Independence Township Board of Trustees meeting, but not without nearly 90 minutes of discussion between the board, township officials, and developers.
August 3
Speeding issue on Pine Knob Road: According to one Independence Township resident, Pine Knob Road south of Clarkston Road is dangerous and action must be taken immediately. At the July 19 regular meeting of the Township Board of Trustees, Isabel Gugyela addressed the board.
Employee benefits called into question by township trustee: During the July 5 regular meeting of the Independence Township Board of Trustees, a closed session was held to discuss potential changes to employee benefits, and the details were readily available in the packet that the trustees get and that is on the township website. Two weeks later at the July 19 trustees meeting, Trustee Paul Brown spoke about why that topic had to even go into a closed session.
August 10
Clarkston library, Springfield ALS millages pass: In two additional items of local note on the ballot for the state primary election, the Clarkston Independence District Library millage passed, as well as the Springfield Township Advanced Life Support (ALS) millage.
One step closer to township supervisor: With 48 percent of the vote last Tuesday, Jose Aliaga picked up the victory in the state primary election in his run to become Independence Township supervisor. Aliaga, who won the Republican nomination over current trustee Paul Brown (28 percent), current supervisor Gerald Fisher (17 percent), and former trustee Mark Petterson (eight percent), will now be the party’s representative in November’s general election.
August 17
Study: Independence, Springfield townships among safest in state: According to recent study by Safewise.com, Independence Township and Springfield Township are two of the top 50 of Michigan’s safest cities of 2022. Data taken into consideration included violent crimes, property crime incidents, murders, and robberies.
Road commission completes paving work on nearly 28 miles of busy township roads: Thanks to a special 2018 Independence Township voter-approved property millage, the Road Commission for Oakland County has successfully completed resurfacing of all 27.8 miles of heavier-traveled roads in the township.
Administration changes announced at Clarkston Community Schools: Clarkston Community Schools’ new administrators were presented to the CCS Board of Education on Aug. 8. Nichole Trzasko is the new assistant principal at Sashabaw Middle School, Jordan Stoyek is the new dean of students at Sashabaw Middle School, Amanda Hoffman-Vance has moved to the Central Administration office as a district supervisor, John Bennink is the new principal at Clarkston Junior High School, Sarah Wasilk is the new assistant principal at Clarkston Junior High School, moving into the role after Monica McGraw retired, Amy Wade-Tiffner is the new dean of students at Clarkston Junior High, and Kelley Senyszyn is the new dean of students at Clarkston High School.
August 24
Auto insurance fraud: Clarkston resident Brittany Brown, charged with auto insurance fraud, has been arraigned, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced last week. Brown was arraigned in Oakland County 52-1 District Court before Magistrate Andra Richardson on three felonies.
Milestone birthday: Clarkston resident Jeane Vanaman celebrated her milestone 95th birthday with a family get-together, drive-by parade, and Michigan family group photo on Aug. 14.
Local donations: Grants totaling $30,000 have recently been awarded by the David W. Elliott Memorial Foundation of Clarkston to the Assistance League of Southeast Michigan. The grants will be used to support several programs.
August 31
Fiery crash: A 53-year-old Goodrich man is in critical condition after an early-morning crash in Independence Township, Aug. 24. The crash occurred on southbound M-15 at the intersection of Dixie Highway shortly after 1 a.m.
Major award: Cheryl McGinnis is more than just a longtime member of the Clarkston Community Schools Board of Education, currently serving as secretary. Last Wednesday, McGinnis was awarded the President’s Award from the Michigan Association of School Boards in a ceremony at the CCS administration building.
September 7
Local tabbed 2022 Sigma Beta of Year: Clarkston resident Jessica McDonald has been selected by Psi, her local chapter, as the 2022 Sigma Beta of the Year.
New shop all about local products, people: Its successful grand opening event now in the rearview mirror, the new Made in Michigan with Love store is now full-steam ahead in Clarkston. Located at 7170 Dixie Highway, Suite B, owner Maria Hall said since the store opened July 1, she has been thrilled with the steady flow of customers.
September 14
Road opening causing issues: When Mann Road was re-opened by the Road Commission for Oakland County for the Labor Day weekend, it caused traffic problems and even an accident, according to Independence Township resident Mike Powell.
September 21
CCS test scores wow district staff: M-STEP test scores are up in Clarkston Community Schools at the third, fourth, and fifth grade levels. District-wide, CCS students have shown an increase in proficiency in both math and ELA from 2021 to 2022.
Township treasurer steps down: For more than three years, Rachel Loughrin served as the treasurer for Independence Township. Recently, Loughrin stepped down from her role, leaving the township to find a replacement and fill her term that expires on Nov. 20, 2024.
September 28
$89K for township infrastructure: Independence Township is going to upgrade its electronic infrastructure – at a cost of nearly $90,000. At the Sept. 20 regular meeting of the Independence Township Board of Trustees, the township’s chief information officer, Aaron Jones, said that firewalls, two-factor authentication and email security features need to be upgraded, and the package he is proposing runs $89,867.
Preserving Clarkston’s history: Preservation Clarkston held an open house Sept. 20 for the Bailey House, an historic home on Sashabaw Road that is being renovated and restored by the group as well as students from Clarkston Community Schools’ Construction Technology program.
October 5
Burglary suspect arraigned: On Sept. 30, the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office charged 34-year-old Clarkston resident Shawn Michael Degen with seven felonies (two counts of home invasion, breaking and entering a vehicle causing damage, larceny from auto – electronics, possession of ammunition – felony, malicious destruction of property – police property, and possession of financial transaction devices.
Trio of candidates to join Clarkston City Council: Three candidates are running for three spots on the Clarkston City Council in a race to be decided on Nov. 8. Incumbent Sue Wylie is joined by Mark Lamphier and Amanda Wakefield for the positions that come with two-year terms.
Brown named new treasurer: A familiar face is back in a familiar place. Current Trustee Paul Brown was elected treasurer for Independence Township in a narrow 3-2 vote Sept. 27 during a special meeting of the township’s Board of Trustees.
October 12
Moving forward with Main Street eateries: When Rudy’s Market closed more than a year ago at 9 S. Main Street, co-owner Robert Esshaki said that the plan was to reopen in 18-24 months as two restaurants, including utilizing the space one building down at 5 S. Main Street, the former Clarkston News building.
October 19
Saving A Liv: Independence Elementary first grade teachers and classes hosted a blood drive, “Be a Hero! Save a Liv!” in partnership with the America Red Cross on Oct. 14, in honor of one of their current first-grade students, Liv O’Connell, who has a rare blood disorder.
Paid parking to pave Clarkston?: At the Oct. 10 Clarkston City Council meeting, council voted 5-0 to approve paid parking in the Depot Road lot by city hall.
CJHS threat puts school on lockdown: A threatening message written on a bathroom wall last Thursday at Clarkston Junior High had the school in a temporary shelter-in-place while the threat was investigated. That morning, a message stating “I’m going to shoot up the school” was discovered and a message went out to CJHS families from Clarkston Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Shawn Ryan.
After 40 years, Springfield tank on move: A Springfield Township landmark will soon be heading to Warren. Last week, the Water Buffalo LVT-4 tank that has long sat in front of the Flint and Frizzen Gun Shop at 8735 Dixie Highway was donated to the Detroit Arsenal Armory, where it will soon be restored and then used to raise awareness for vehicles of its kind.
October 26
Mill Pond dam future in question: Recently, many Clarkston residents have inquired about the water levels in the Mill Pond, which are controlled by the privately-owned dam. Neither the city or the Mill Pond Association have any authority to adjust the dam, located near the intersection of Main and Washington streets, or otherwise modify water levels within the pond.
November 2
City clerk moving to township: Last month, Jennifer Speagle resigned her post as Clarkston city clerk to take on a new role as deputy supervisor in Independence Township. She will start working with Jose Aliaga, running unopposed as township supervisor, on Nov. 21.
Public transit millage town hall gets full house: The Township Hall board room was nearly full with curious individuals from various Oakland County communities Oct. 24 for a 90-minute town hall forum to discuss the upcoming county public transit millage proposal on the Nov. 8 ballot.
CAYA continuing to boost area youth: Clarkston Area Youth Assistance held its annual meeting Oct. 20 during a breakfast event at the Clarkston Community Schools administration building.
November 9
Township ITPRS staff garners national honors: The Independence Township Department of Parks, Recreation and Seniors recently received the honor of Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) re-accreditation and was recognized by the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) for their high standards and best practices at a September conference in Phoenix.
Moraco tabbed as new township trustee: As Independence Township Clerk Cari Neubeck announced that the motion to appoint Sam Moraco passed 4-2 at the board of trustees special meeting Nov. 1, many members seated in the audience began to clap. Moraco was one of nine township residents to interview for the trustee spot that was vacated when Paul Brown was appointed treasurer last month. The second trustee spot, vacated when Jose Aliaga was elected supervisor, went to Matthew Stoian, who was sworn in Dec. 6.
November 16
STEMi makes stop at Clarkston Junior High: During the first week of November, a semi-truck was parked in the parking lot at Clarkston Junior High School. More specifically, it was a STEMi – a mobile lab run by Oakland Schools that provides students the opportunity to learn more about science and technology through career exploration.
Harris remains local state representative: In the state representative race for the 52nd District, incumbent Republican Mike Harris won the vote for a two-year term. Harris (26,884 votes) defeated Democrat Robin McGregor (19,024). There were also 47 write-ins.
New voice on school board as Love gains election with most votes: In the election for two seats on the Clarkston Community Schools Board of Education, Amanda Love (9,545 votes) and Cheryl McGinnis (incumbent, 8,713 votes) were voted in for the six-year terms. Greg Need (incumbent, 7,975), Christy Giampetroni (6,543), and Kathy Paul (2,422) did not gain enough votes for election.
Another term for Haven as Clarkston mayor; Township votes see Aliaga new supervisor (pictured above): Eric Haven is back for his third term as Clarkston mayor, defeating Scott Meyland 292-176 in the Nov. 8 election to gain another two-year term. There was also one write-in vote. After winning the primary election in August, Jose Aliaga ran unopposed Nov. 8, getting 13.137 votes in the race for Independence Township supervisor for the term that ends Nov. 20, 2024. There were 407 write-ins.
November 23
Meijer coming soon to township: The Waldon Village II development in Independence Township took the next step in getting a Meijer store as part of the project when it was approved at the Nov. 15 Township Board of Trustees meeting.
Late sheriff’s deputy honored in township: Deputy Robert Loken was a 27-year veteran of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office who passed away this past January after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Recently, Loken was recognized with a highway dedication in Independence Township.
November 30
Family seeking justice for familiar face: Christian Chambers has been a fixture in Clarkston his entire life. A 1993 graduate of Clarkston High School, Chambers can be seen on the sidelines for Clarkston varsity football games as an honorary “coach,” something cerebral palsy hasn’t stopped him from enjoying the past 35 years. Now, living in the community may be compromised as the house that Chambers’ parents left for him is in danger of being sold, unlawfully says Chambers’ family.
Scouts’ numbers rebounding well: Scouting programs in northern Oakland County’s Pontiac-Manito District have experienced an ongoing revival in the aftermath of COVID-19, with district-wide membership increasing by 8.5 percent over their year-end 2021 totals.
December 7
Busted for computer crimes: Anthony Joseph Carlson, a 25-year-old Clarkston man, was sentenced in Los Angeles Nov. 7 to 42 months in federal prison for his role in a series of “SIM swapping” schemes that allowed him and his accomplices to take control of online accounts, which resulted in the theft of cryptocurrency, causing more than $28,000 in losses.
City approves vehicle charging stations: Clarkston will soon have three electric vehicle charging stations after city council approved the additions at the Nov. 28 meeting. One will be in the lot at Washington and Main streets and two others at the Depot lot. Each station will charge two vehicles.
New footbridge: Installation of a new footbridge over the Depot Park rain garden started Dec. 2. Steve Wyckoff and his students in the Clarkston Construction Tech program designed and are constructing the bridge.
December 14
Local family in cancer fight, community rallying: Clarkston has long been known as a town that exudes a family atmosphere. Throw in adversity, and the town comes together even more. When Emily Buchanan was not quite 30 and her daughter Reagan was 18 months old, she received a breast cancer diagnosis. Recently, her son Jack was diagnosed with ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia) with port placement, and chemo started immediately.
December 21
Pine Knob earns top ranking: Clarkston’s Pine Knob Music Theatre capped off its 50th anniversary season with the No. 1 ranking for Top 100 Amphitheaters in the world in Pollstar’s 2022 year-end rankings.
Hitting a milestone in local dentistry: It was time for celebration last month for Dr. John Foster of Clarkston Family Dental, who celebrated his 25-year anniversary in practice on Nov. 11.
Former township supervisor recognized by DAR: Former Independence Township supervisor Patrick Kittle has received the Sashabaw Plains Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Community Service Award for 2022, honored for his work with the Friends of the North Oakland Veterans Court.
December 28
Familiar face calling it a career: Patricia Douglas started working for Clarkston Community Schools in 1991 to be on the same schedule as her three children who were attending Andersonville Elementary. Now some 31 years later, Douglas retired earlier this month after spending the last 23 years as Independence Elementary’s secretary.
Local scout project to benefit Clarkston Family Farm: Frank Fabrizio recently completed his Eagle Scout project that will be a major benefit to the Clarkston Family Farm. Fabrizio, a scout in BSA Troop 189 and a senior at Clarkston High School, planned, organized, and executed the fortification of the apple orchard and the chicken and pig grazing areas.
Check out ClarkstonNews.com for area sports highlights for July through December.
Also see the Dec. 28 print edition for part 1 of the year in review.